What does 'home' mean? Area veterans reflect

Don Boomer

Retired Marine Sgt. Toran Gaal, wounded in Afghanistan, raises the America flag and the Marine Corps flag at the dedication ceremony at his new, mortgage-free, specially adapted home built by Homes for Our Troops in Valley Center.

Retired Marine Sgt. Toran Gaal, wounded in Afghanistan, raises the America flag and the Marine Corps flag at the dedication ceremony at his new, mortgage-free, specially adapted home built by Homes for Our Troops in Valley Center. (Don Boomer)

Nicole Miller-Coleman

Home. It means something different to each of us.

For post–9/11 veterans who have sustained severe injuries such as partial or full paralysis, limb amputations and traumatic brain injury, home can be a catalyst for change.

In Southwest Riverside County, Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a national nonprofit, has embarked on a dozen custom home projects for severely injured veterans. The homes−some completed, and some under construction or in early planning stages−are designed to restore mobility, freedom and independence so veterans can to focus on family, recovery and building new lives.

With the holiday season in full swing, three of these home recipients answer the question: “What does home mean to you?”

John Smith

Marine Corporal, retired

Courtesy of HFOT

(Courtesy of HFOT)

Smith will be leaving behind the bracing winters of Frederick, Maryland when his Menifee home is completed in March.

What does “home” mean to you?

What home means to me is, a sense of belonging. A place where peace of mind is attained while little needs to be explained. Surrounded by those who love me with conversations ranging from childhood memories to catching up on our adult life. Reconnecting with my nieces and nephews and enjoying a family meal from sun-up to sunset.

Who will you be sharing your new home with?

This may change as I settle into my new home, but for now it’s just me.

What kinds of memories do you look forward to making your new home?

I don’t know what God plans for my future but I look at every experience as a blessing. I plan on finishing my audio and video production college degrees. Putting personal touches on my house, spending time with family and friends and living life to the fullest the best way I can.

Marcus D. Wilson, Sr.

Marine First Sgt., retired

Courtesy of HFOT

(Courtesy of HFOT)

Originally from Arkansas, Wilson looks forward to giving his large family (and 26 potted fruit trees) a chance to root when he moves into his new Temecula home in 2018.

What does “home” mean to you?

An HFOT home restores my freedom to fully participate in my home without barriers. This allows me the time and financial freedom to pursue my dream of running a nonprofit for disabled children.

Who will you be sharing the new home with?

My beautiful wife, Briarly, our children and my service dog, Doc (named after the Corpsman who saved my life).

What kinds of memories do you look forward to making in your new home?

I look forward to creating new holiday traditions, barbecuing in the backyard, and gardening with the children. I look forward to the memories my children will have of their forever home. Owning an adapted home also allows me to build relationships with the large disabled veteran community where I live and have met through HFOT. Having an accessible home means my friends can visit without barriers as well.

Carlos Gomez

Army Specialist, retired

Courtesy of HFOT

(Courtesy of HFOT)

A father of two who currently lives in Anaheim, Gomez hopes to be in his new Menifee home for the 2018 holidays. Groundbreaking is anticipated for early 2018.

What does “home” mean to you?

It means everything. I think the new house will have solar panels, which will really help with the cost of electricity for air conditioning. Right now, my bill is at about $1,500. I constantly have to ask myself, am I going to pay rent or keep the electricity on?

Who will you be sharing your new home with?

I have sole custody of my two boys — one 7 and one 13. I have been a father since I was 14 years old. My mom is very supportive. We’re going to go out to Lake Elsinore to be with [family] for Thanksgiving.

What kinds of memories do you look forward to making in this new home?

New memories. My kids have moved around a lot because of my job and I want them to be able to grow up with memories in this house. One of the things I want to do is to plant a tree when we move in and watch it grow. I have a close family — my mom and my brothers will start coming for holidays. It will be our new gathering place.

For more information about the work of Home For Our Troops, or about the veterans profiled here, visit www.hfotusa.org.